21 July 2006

and today is my last day at this work. It's been a good year - a few downs but many great ups - so overall, no regrets!Many firsts to this joh: First public sector experienceAttended my first powhiri (a formal, full-fledged Maori welcome) - loved it:) Also attended a whakatau - my first (non-formal Maori welcome) - love that too.Experienced my first hongis - Maori greeting, where you touch noses - this was a beaut blend of West and indigenous - even while we touch noses, we are simultaneously shaking hands with that person.Oh many more actually, with the last being my farewell that is planned for today.No doubt, I will miss some of my colleagues here acutely...